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Archive of: Sex Education in Oregon

Would your local school board enjoy engaging in a public discussion about sex on top or bloody faced men liking sex "every day of the month"? As unlikely as this is, parents and guardians must understand that a growing amount of children, in Oregon and across the country, are being subjected to "comprehensive sexuality education" content that is vastly overreaching and intrusive. Below is an example where parents/guardians in California became outraged when such material was presented to their children.

"...Perhaps the most shocking and inappropriate photo, the pedagogical value of which is unclear, was a picture of a man with a bloody face accompanied by a caption saying, “A real man loves his woman every day of the month.”

One School’s ‘Horrific’ Sex-Ed Photos Are Outraging Parents; Jun. 8, 2014 8:21am; Zach Noble; The Blaze
Here in Oregon, K-12 Comprehensive Sexuality Education is "mandated" by the state, but this does NOT condone content where "anything goes". Your local school district needs to proceed with great caution when updating its sex ed policy and in selecting their "district approved" curricula. Even if curriculum or programs are packaged as "medically accurate", "best practice", or "research-based", this does not automatically deem the content "academically excellent"; honest scrutiny, accountability, and clear rationale for its approval must be required.

The content presented at the Adolescent Sexuality Conference (ASC) Seaside is considered "best practice" and "age appropriate" for Oregon youth. Teachers, health care providers and students from around the state attend and are encouraged to go back home and share what they learn with their peers or community members.
Cory Silverberg's sex toy store website: http://www.comeasyouare.com/ (Toronto co-op sex toy store owner)
Here is the 2014 Adolescent Sexuality Conference Agenda/Workshops:
ASC-Registration-packet-2014 in full
The Steering Committee for this year's Adolescent Sexuality Conference April 7-8, 2014: "Building Blocks of Youth Sexual Health" included:
*Oregon Attorney General’s Sexual Assault Task Force
*Oregon Department of Education
*Oregon DHS
*Oregon Health Authority

Parents and guardians hold a lot more cards than they think. Students, teachers, administrators, school board members also have rights when it comes to the explicit K-12 comprehensive sexuality education that the Oregon Department of Education (ODE) sanctions and endorses. Local control is nothing if districts succumb to pressure from the Oregon Department of Education to accept "free curriculum/training" or cave when told that you are "not in compliance with the law".
Here is an interview with the co-founder of Parents' Rights in Education that will give you insights into what is really happening around Oregon in regards to sex ed. http://www.ispyradio.com/ispyradioshow03222014
Despite our differing opinions about religious, political or social issues, the role of a parent or guardian must not be negated to the state. We encourage you to peruse our website to find out just what Oregon's K-12 comprehensive sexuality education is all about, what your rights are and practical things you can do if some of it doesn't seem fair or appropriate given the diverse values/beliefs of your community.

WHO is ultimately responsible for the care and upbringing of your minor child?
Despite any differences we may have about politics, religion or ideology - we can all agree that we do NOT want to relinquish this right and privilege to another.
You as a parent/guardian have the law on your side. It is not the role of government to impose a "holistic sexuality education program" on the "whole-child" in the name of "health, safety and wellness". What the heck does this even mean anyway?! What do these terms mean? What part of your child will you be able to impart your values, beliefs and culture? What is left for you as a parent?
You have the law on your side. If you are being told that your school district must by "in compliance with the law", become familiar (and empowered!) with these laws and Supreme Court decisions: Even the Law Recognizes Parents Know BestYour school district works for you and local control means nothing unless you retain your rights as parents!

Oregon's "K-12 Comprehensive Sexuality Education" MUST be be exposed for what it is!
Who gets to decide what your minor child learns about sexual pleasure and intimacy? What is the best way to do this? In a mixed-gender classroom? From a teacher who imposes his/her ideology on their students? What grade level?
Is the Department of Education's "best practices" truly honoring the diverse values of your district when they expect Oregon classrooms to discuss topics like you see listed below (and they ARE advocating this!).
Some of these items may seem benign...but ask yourself, "Do I know how these topics will be presented in your child's classroom?" and "Do I know what subjects will be off limits?"
• sexual pleasure
• anal, oral, vaginal sex
• condoms, dental dams, lubrication
• range of ways to express affection
• gender identity/self-image
• healthy relationships
• holistic sexuality
• honest and open dialogue
• teens teaching teens
• breaking down barriers
• advocate respect for diversity
• intimacy
• reproductive rights / confidential resources
• identify trusted adults in community
• political/social activism regarding sexuality education

Be sure to ask that these words be clearly defined and explained. We find that the Oregon Department of Education often hides behind these vague terms. You deserve to know exactly what they are endorsing!ASK LOTS OF QUESTIONS. EXPECT SUBSTANTIVE ANSWERS.

At the 2013 Adolescent Sexuality Conference, Sexuality Specialist Brad Victor boasted that Oregon has the most progressive sex education standards - that we have "pushed the envelope once again!"
Here's what you can do.
Click here: Questions regarding 2012 OARS Revisions_Sexuality Education to view a list of sample questions parents and concerned community members could ask their school board in regards to the 2012 revisions the Oregon Department of Education has added to grades K-12 Human Sexuality Education OAR 581-022-1440. The 2012 revisions can be found at ODE’s website: http://www.ode.state.or.us/search/page/?id=1773
These questions are not at all encompassing, however they do include many topics included in the 2012 Human Sexuality Education OAR revisions that the ODE deems "best practice".
If your district is feeling intimidated or pressured by the ODE to “follow the law”, remind your school officials that there are many other laws in which they are to be following. Do not buckle when unfamiliar terms are being used or you do not know how to respond. You must ask yourself, WHO is ultimately in control of your minor children? It doesn't matter if you don't fully comprehend Oregon law. Who does?!
It is the responsibility of Oregon school districts to justify their decisions/policy around teaching your children about sex. Keep them accountable!
Local control is nothing without the role of parents/guardians being honored and upheld.

This EXACT curriculum is being used in many Oregon school districts. The poster that a 13 year old Kansas student took a picture of is just the tip of the iceberg. It is shocking to see what sex ed materials are being deemed "best practice", "medically accurate" and "age appropriate" for minor children.
Do you know what curriculum your school is using?
Parents and guardians have the legal right to view ALL sex ed curriculum (including supplemental materials) used in their district. This should be readily available for viewing at any time. Check out tools and tips found on this website for suggested ways to go about this. You have the right to know what kind of discussions and materials your child and his/her classmates are engaging in once the classroom door closes.
We encourage you to approach your district administrators and teachers with respectful resolve. Hold them accountable and require them to justify the use of selected materials. As parents, you hold a lot more cards than you think!
Kansas parent exposes what middle school students are seeing in their classroom:
http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/01/17/parents-upset-by-x-rated-sex-ed-poster-in-middle-school/